Otis McMillan ~ Testing, Trusting, Timing

1 Timothy 6:12: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Paul understood the challenges Timothy would face as he shared the Gospel message. One area was the flesh’s desire to have more than what God was providing. It was not a new battle; Israel struggled with having manna in the wilderness. They wanted milk and honey. Paul made it clear one’s faith would be tested. The key was to stay focused on God and the promise of eternal life, trusting God to provide.

Your faith in God will be tested. As you fight the good fight, staying focused on God and eternal life, you can be assured that the Lord will provide your needs. Your commitment to godliness with contentment will be honored by him. Your faith will be tested, but with the Lord’s help you will be victorious.

Read, Study, and Meditate: Trust that Strength and Stability Will Follow

Psalm 1:2: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

God’s Word has the power to transform one’s mind but it takes more than an occasional glance. The process begins from reading and hearing, but additional steps must occur. The Word must be rightly divided to assure that we correctly know what is being communicated. Meditation is next. This allows the Word to enter our spirit which will bring about change. Strength and stability will follow.

Many struggle endeavoring to conquer areas of weakness. Resolutions are made but change, if it comes, is only short lived. Their efforts are dependent on their own strength and will. Time in God’s Word is lacking. If you desire stability in the ways of the Lord the process must begin. Give time daily to read his Word, study to show yourself approved, and then meditate day and night upon what you have studied. Your strength and stability will follow.

Timing: While Others May Doubt, Proclaim Your Faith

Romans 4:20: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.”

As Abraham aged, those around him sought to persuade him that the hope of a child should be forgotten. Even when his wife shared her doubt, Abraham refused to allow his faith to stagger. He chose to give God the glory by sharing his testimony. He was persuaded that the Lord’s promise would be fulfilled.

Everything that God has promised you will not occur overnight. Be assured that the delay that you face does not mean that God’s promise will not be fulfilled. It does provide you the opportunity to share your faith in the midst of the doubts of others. As others say no, give God the glory, for all of his promises will be fulfilled!

Rev. Dr. Otis T. McMillan serves as the Director of the Bureau of Evangelism for the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion church after working for decades in pastoral ministry, evangelism and outreach.